Found this guide on eBay. I think it's cute, but I'm still not sure what's being described in the "Replacing the Drum Set Rods" section. "The rods only cover a small portion of the drum shell and when owners tighten them, it puts more pressure on the wood inside, creating a smaller sound. Typical older drum sets do come with end to end rods held in place by three bolts." :confused: Almost sounds like a foreign language translation. Still, it might inspire some younger drummers to look at vintage sets as an alternative to all the modern MIC stuff.
http://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Refurbish-a-Drum-Set-/10000000177770912/g.html
Mike